2. Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great
““There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” (quoteThere is nothing impossible to him who will try.” (quote
from Alexander the Great)from Alexander the Great)
Alexander the Great is arguably the greatest militaryAlexander the Great is arguably the greatest military
leader in history.leader in history.
By never loosing a battle, by conquering nearly theBy never loosing a battle, by conquering nearly the
known world in twelve years, and by spreading hisknown world in twelve years, and by spreading his
influence on the known world, Alexander was the firstinfluence on the known world, Alexander was the first
person to receive the title “ The Great.”person to receive the title “ The Great.”
Today we hope to inform you about the legendary life ofToday we hope to inform you about the legendary life of
Alexander the Great.Alexander the Great.
3. BoyhoodBoyhood
Born on July 26, 356 B.C. inBorn on July 26, 356 B.C. in
Pella, MacedoniaPella, Macedonia
Alexander was the son ofAlexander was the son of
King Philip II of MacedonKing Philip II of Macedon
and the Princess Olympiasand the Princess Olympias
of Epiroteof Epirote
Philip II was a great militaryPhilip II was a great military
leader and organizer andleader and organizer and
Olympias was passionateOlympias was passionate
and hot-temperedand hot-tempered
Alexander inherited the bestAlexander inherited the best
qualities from both of hisqualities from both of his
parents, which later prove toparents, which later prove to
be assets to his legacybe assets to his legacy
4. BoyhoodBoyhood
Alexander was more ambitiousAlexander was more ambitious
than his father and wept bitterlythan his father and wept bitterly
when he heard of Philip’swhen he heard of Philip’s
conquests saying “My father willconquests saying “My father will
get ahead of me in everything, andget ahead of me in everything, and
will leave nothing great for me towill leave nothing great for me to
do."do."
Alexander's mother taught himAlexander's mother taught him
that Achilles was his ancestor, andthat Achilles was his ancestor, and
that his father was descendedthat his father was descended
from Herculesfrom Hercules
Alexander was told by an oracleAlexander was told by an oracle
that his true father was Zeus andthat his true father was Zeus and
not Philip II.not Philip II.
Achilles became Alexander’s roleAchilles became Alexander’s role
model.model.
Alexander learned by heart theAlexander learned by heart the
Illiad, a story that tells about theIlliad, a story that tells about the
deeds of Achilles, and carried adeeds of Achilles, and carried a
copy with him wherever he went.copy with him wherever he went.
5. BoyhoodBoyhood
As a Boy Alexander wasAs a Boy Alexander was
fearless and strong.fearless and strong.
He tamed a beautiful andHe tamed a beautiful and
spirited horse that no onespirited horse that no one
would dare touch or ridewould dare touch or ride
and named it Bucephalus.and named it Bucephalus.
This horse would later carryThis horse would later carry
him to the far reaches ofhim to the far reaches of
India.India.
Philip was so proud ofPhilip was so proud of
Alexander's power over theAlexander's power over the
horse that he said, "O myhorse that he said, "O my
son, seek out a kingdomson, seek out a kingdom
worthy of thyself, forworthy of thyself, for
Macedonia is too little forMacedonia is too little for
thee." thee."
6. YouthYouth
When Alexander was 13 yearsWhen Alexander was 13 years
old, he became the pupil ofold, he became the pupil of
Aristotle.Aristotle.
Aristotle is considered one ofAristotle is considered one of
the greatest minds in history.the greatest minds in history.
Alexander was eager to learn.Alexander was eager to learn.
Aristotle inspired in AlexanderAristotle inspired in Alexander
the love for literature,the love for literature,
sciences, rhetoric, philosophy,sciences, rhetoric, philosophy,
and sports.and sports.
Alexander was alwaysAlexander was always
interested in foreign policy andinterested in foreign policy and
would meet with ambassadorswould meet with ambassadors
from different countries thatfrom different countries that
came to his father’s court.came to his father’s court.
7. Rise to PowerRise to Power
At age 16, Alexander wasAt age 16, Alexander was
given command of Macedoniagiven command of Macedonia
while Philip II went to warwhile Philip II went to war
against Byzantium.against Byzantium.
When he was only 18, heWhen he was only 18, he
commanded part of Philip'scommanded part of Philip's
cavalry at the battle ofcavalry at the battle of
Chaeronea.Chaeronea.
Alexander also acted as hisAlexander also acted as his
father's ambassador to Athens.father's ambassador to Athens.
After his father’s death in 336After his father’s death in 336
B.C., Alexander became kingB.C., Alexander became king
at the age of 20.at the age of 20.
8. Rise to PowerRise to Power
After Alexander became king, theAfter Alexander became king, the
surrounding territories revolted.surrounding territories revolted.
The city of Thebes in Greece was theThe city of Thebes in Greece was the
first to start the revoltfirst to start the revolt
Alexander’s advisors viewed that heAlexander’s advisors viewed that he
should give up the Greek territoriesshould give up the Greek territories
and not take action.and not take action.
Alexander decided against this andAlexander decided against this and
subdued the territories with lightningsubdued the territories with lightning
speed starting with Thebes.speed starting with Thebes.
Alexander and his army stormed theAlexander and his army stormed the
city of Thebes and destroyed everycity of Thebes and destroyed every
building except the temples and thebuilding except the temples and the
house of the poet Pindar.house of the poet Pindar.
30,000 inhabitants were sold into30,000 inhabitants were sold into
slavery.slavery.
Seeing this, the rest of the territoriesSeeing this, the rest of the territories
surrendered and Alexander then hadsurrendered and Alexander then had
control of Macedonia and Greece.control of Macedonia and Greece.
9. ConquestsConquests
In May of 334 B.C., Alexander’s Army marched acrossIn May of 334 B.C., Alexander’s Army marched across
the Hellespont to invade the Persians under their Kingthe Hellespont to invade the Persians under their King
Darius III.Darius III.
On the way Alexander visited the city of Troy to see theOn the way Alexander visited the city of Troy to see the
Tomb of Achilles and garland it.Tomb of Achilles and garland it.
From the Trojan Temple of Athena Alexander took aFrom the Trojan Temple of Athena Alexander took a
sacred Shield, said to date back to the Trojan War, tosacred Shield, said to date back to the Trojan War, to
guard him on his mission.guard him on his mission.
Soon after visiting Troy, Alexander struck the firstSoon after visiting Troy, Alexander struck the first
Persian army to challenge him at the river GranicusPersian army to challenge him at the river Granicus
meeting its commanders and their guards head on inmeeting its commanders and their guards head on in
person in a clash at the center of the battle line.person in a clash at the center of the battle line.
10. ConquestConquest
Quote from Plutarch on the Battle of Granicus:Quote from Plutarch on the Battle of Granicus:
““For the enemy pressed upon him with loud and warlike outcries; andFor the enemy pressed upon him with loud and warlike outcries; and
charging horse against horse, with their lances, after they had broken andcharging horse against horse, with their lances, after they had broken and
spent these, they fell to it with their swords. And Alexander, being easilyspent these, they fell to it with their swords. And Alexander, being easily
known by his buckler, and a large plume of white feathers on each side ofknown by his buckler, and a large plume of white feathers on each side of
his helmet, was attacked on all sides, yet escaped wounding, though hishis helmet, was attacked on all sides, yet escaped wounding, though his
cuirass was pierced by a javelin in one of the joinings. And Rhoesaces andcuirass was pierced by a javelin in one of the joinings. And Rhoesaces and
Spithridates, two Persian commanders, falling upon him at once, he avoidedSpithridates, two Persian commanders, falling upon him at once, he avoided
one of them, and struck at Rhoesaces, who had a good cuirass on, withone of them, and struck at Rhoesaces, who had a good cuirass on, with
such force that, his spear breaking in his hand, he was glad to betakesuch force that, his spear breaking in his hand, he was glad to betake
himself to his dagger. While they were thus engaged, Spithridates came uphimself to his dagger. While they were thus engaged, Spithridates came up
on one side of him, and raising himself upon his horse, gave him such aon one side of him, and raising himself upon his horse, gave him such a
blow with his battle-ax on the helmet that he cut off the crest of it, with oneblow with his battle-ax on the helmet that he cut off the crest of it, with one
of his plumes, and the helmet was only just so far strong enough to saveof his plumes, and the helmet was only just so far strong enough to save
him, that the edge of the weapon touched the hair of his head. But as hehim, that the edge of the weapon touched the hair of his head. But as he
was about to repeat his stroke,was about to repeat his stroke, ClitusClitus, called the black Clitus, prevented, called the black Clitus, prevented
him, by running him through the body with his spear. At the same timehim, by running him through the body with his spear. At the same time
Alexander dispatched Rhoesaces with his sword.”Alexander dispatched Rhoesaces with his sword.”
11. ConquestConquest
At the battle of Granicus,At the battle of Granicus,
Alexander’s army lost only 34 menAlexander’s army lost only 34 men
while the Persian army lostwhile the Persian army lost
thousands.thousands.
After the battle of Granicus theAfter the battle of Granicus the
Persian army regrouped andPersian army regrouped and
struck at Alexander again at thestruck at Alexander again at the
battle of Issus.battle of Issus.
Alexander’s army consisted ofAlexander’s army consisted of
47,000 men where as the Persian47,000 men where as the Persian
army numbered between 80,000army numbered between 80,000
and 100,000 men.and 100,000 men.
Outmaneuvering his opponentOutmaneuvering his opponent
Alexander crushed the PersianAlexander crushed the Persian
army again inflicting 10,000 toarmy again inflicting 10,000 to
20,000 casualties. He himself lost20,000 casualties. He himself lost
450 men and 4,000 wounded.450 men and 4,000 wounded.
12. ConquestsConquests
Alexander continued to marchAlexander continued to march
throughout the Persian empirethroughout the Persian empire
conquering city after city andconquering city after city and
armies that stood in his way.armies that stood in his way.
He conquered the PersianHe conquered the Persian
Capital, Persepolis and fromCapital, Persepolis and from
there the Persian empire fellthere the Persian empire fell
before his feet.before his feet.
The Persian king, Darius IIIThe Persian king, Darius III
fled like a coward, but endedfled like a coward, but ended
up being assassinated by hisup being assassinated by his
own men.own men.
Alexander hunted theAlexander hunted the
assassins down and killedassassins down and killed
them for committing such athem for committing such a
grave act.grave act.
13. ConquestsConquests
During his march across the Persian Empire,During his march across the Persian Empire,
Alexander stopped at the city of Gordium whereAlexander stopped at the city of Gordium where
legend says that the famous Gordium Knot waslegend says that the famous Gordium Knot was
tied.tied.
Legends says that whoever unties this isLegends says that whoever unties this is
reserved the empire of the world.reserved the empire of the world.
Historians mention two different stories on howHistorians mention two different stories on how
Alexander untied the Knot.Alexander untied the Knot.
The first story is that Alexander actually figuredThe first story is that Alexander actually figured
out how to untie the knot, the second is thatout how to untie the knot, the second is that
Alexander just cut the knot to pieces with hisAlexander just cut the knot to pieces with his
sword and untied it that way.sword and untied it that way.
14. ConquestsConquests
Within the Persian EmpireWithin the Persian Empire
Alexander went on to conquerAlexander went on to conquer
the territories of Mesopotamia,the territories of Mesopotamia,
Phoenicia, Anatolia, Syria,Phoenicia, Anatolia, Syria,
Gaza, Bactria, and Egypt.Gaza, Bactria, and Egypt.
In 331 while conquering EgyptIn 331 while conquering Egypt
Alexander established theAlexander established the
famous city of Alexandria.famous city of Alexandria.
The priests of EgyptThe priests of Egypt
proclaimed Alexander Pharaohproclaimed Alexander Pharaoh
of their lands, the son of theof their lands, the son of the
sun god Ammon Ra.sun god Ammon Ra.
15. ConquestsConquests
After conquering the territories of the PersianAfter conquering the territories of the Persian
Empire, Alexander turned his eyes toward India.Empire, Alexander turned his eyes toward India.
He had heard many stories of vast riches foundHe had heard many stories of vast riches found
there and that beyond India was the end of thethere and that beyond India was the end of the
world.world.
The glory of war was drawing Alexander on.The glory of war was drawing Alexander on.
In 326 B.C. Alexander marched his army into theIn 326 B.C. Alexander marched his army into the
Indus Valley also called the Punjab.Indus Valley also called the Punjab.
It was here in the Indus Valley that AlexanderIt was here in the Indus Valley that Alexander
and his army would face something they haveand his army would face something they have
never encountered before in battle, the Indiannever encountered before in battle, the Indian
war elephant.war elephant.
16. ConquestsConquests
At the river Jhelum, King Porus awaited Alexander with a great armyAt the river Jhelum, King Porus awaited Alexander with a great army
and over 200 war elephants.and over 200 war elephants.
No Greek soldier had ever faced elephants in such sufficientNo Greek soldier had ever faced elephants in such sufficient
numbers during battle.numbers during battle.
What followed was a battle unique in the annals of war.What followed was a battle unique in the annals of war.
Alexander found enough boats to ferry 15,000 of his best men 16Alexander found enough boats to ferry 15,000 of his best men 16
miles down river. He then marched back 16 miles and engaged Kingmiles down river. He then marched back 16 miles and engaged King
Porus from behind. Alexander drew the Indian cavalry to one flankPorus from behind. Alexander drew the Indian cavalry to one flank
away from the protection of their elephants and then surroundedaway from the protection of their elephants and then surrounded
them while his foot soldiers came up with spears to attack thethem while his foot soldiers came up with spears to attack the
elephants. By wounding the elephants, the animals became wildelephants. By wounding the elephants, the animals became wild
and turned on their own men causing chaos for their army. Kingand turned on their own men causing chaos for their army. King
Porus was taken captive and the battle was over.Porus was taken captive and the battle was over.
Alexander’s horse Bucephalus died during the battle and in hisAlexander’s horse Bucephalus died during the battle and in his
honor Alexander established a city and named it Bucephalus.honor Alexander established a city and named it Bucephalus.
17. ConquestsConquests
History tells us that fifty years laterHistory tells us that fifty years later
two Roman Legions faced atwo Roman Legions faced a
similar Indian army with a muchsimilar Indian army with a much
smaller amount of war elephantssmaller amount of war elephants
and were defeated.and were defeated.
This shows us that Alexander wasThis shows us that Alexander was
a more brilliant military leader thana more brilliant military leader than
the Romans.the Romans.
After Alexander conquered theAfter Alexander conquered the
western half of India, he decidedwestern half of India, he decided
to move toward the eastern half,to move toward the eastern half,
but his men, tired of fighting,but his men, tired of fighting,
decided against this.decided against this.
Alexander was forced to halt hisAlexander was forced to halt his
pursuit for ultimate glory.pursuit for ultimate glory.
He then marched back to BabylonHe then marched back to Babylon
where he settled till his death.where he settled till his death.
19. Military TacticsMilitary Tactics
Alexander had a great militaryAlexander had a great military
mind.mind.
An expert at organizing hisAn expert at organizing his
units for complex battleunits for complex battle
maneuvers.maneuvers.
Hiding his true numbers andHiding his true numbers and
managing his army during themanaging his army during the
flow of battle. That was theflow of battle. That was the
key.key.
Develop of the PhalanxDevelop of the Phalanx
Box formationBox formation
8 to 36 men deep8 to 36 men deep
Men in front carried spears 4Men in front carried spears 4
to 6 meters (12 to 18 feet)to 6 meters (12 to 18 feet)
21. PhalanxPhalanx
Held vertically the wall of spears wouldHeld vertically the wall of spears would
hide the units behind the formation.hide the units behind the formation.
Held horizontally enemies could be killedHeld horizontally enemies could be killed
at a safe range from the formation.at a safe range from the formation.
Phalanx was revolutionary for its time andPhalanx was revolutionary for its time and
was a very potent weapon.was a very potent weapon.
Spears, bows, cavalry, chariots, and someSpears, bows, cavalry, chariots, and some
light and heavy armor.light and heavy armor.
22. Military TacticsMilitary Tactics
One of Alexander’s best known military tactics was that he would fight rightOne of Alexander’s best known military tactics was that he would fight right
along side his men.along side his men.
By showing courage in the face of death, he would set an example to hisBy showing courage in the face of death, he would set an example to his
soldiers.soldiers.
The following passage from Dr. Warren H. Carroll is an example ofThe following passage from Dr. Warren H. Carroll is an example of
Alexander’s courage:Alexander’s courage:
““He prepared to storm its citadel with ladders, but the ladders broke underHe prepared to storm its citadel with ladders, but the ladders broke under
the weight of his men. Standing alone on the rampart, Alexander leapedthe weight of his men. Standing alone on the rampart, Alexander leaped
down inside the enemy fortress. Just three of his men followed. Alexanderdown inside the enemy fortress. Just three of his men followed. Alexander
slew the Mallian chieftain and beat off all his attackers, his back to the wall,slew the Mallian chieftain and beat off all his attackers, his back to the wall,
until he fainted from a lack of blood from a severe wound in his chest. Oneuntil he fainted from a lack of blood from a severe wound in his chest. One
of his men held the sacred shield of Troy over him saving his life until theof his men held the sacred shield of Troy over him saving his life until the
rest of his army broke through the gates and rescued him. Every defenderrest of his army broke through the gates and rescued him. Every defender
of the citadel was put to the sword. Alexander’s wound came from a yardof the citadel was put to the sword. Alexander’s wound came from a yard
long arrow that pierced his lungs and supposedly he never fully recovered.”long arrow that pierced his lungs and supposedly he never fully recovered.”
Situations like this are the reasons why Alexander’s men respected him andSituations like this are the reasons why Alexander’s men respected him and
had a high morale.had a high morale.
23. Death of AlexanderDeath of Alexander
Still a Mystery to this day.Still a Mystery to this day.
In BabylonIn Babylon
33-year-old man33-year-old man
Some believe it to be conspiracy involving Iollas,Some believe it to be conspiracy involving Iollas,
Cassander, and others who were unhappy withCassander, and others who were unhappy with
Alexander.Alexander.
Poisoned winePoisoned wine
He succumbed to illness. Thus, on June 10, 323 BC,He succumbed to illness. Thus, on June 10, 323 BC,
Alexander the Great die. In the Palace ofAlexander the Great die. In the Palace of
NabukodonossorNabukodonossor
24. The Death of AlexanderThe Death of Alexander
In BabylonIn Babylon
Busy with plans to improve the irrigation of the Euphrates and toBusy with plans to improve the irrigation of the Euphrates and to
settle the Arabic coast of the Persian Gulf.settle the Arabic coast of the Persian Gulf.
Splendid entertainment in honor of Nearchus departure for Arabia.Splendid entertainment in honor of Nearchus departure for Arabia.
(it was also commemoration of the death of Heracles)(it was also commemoration of the death of Heracles)
Drank much unmixed wineDrank much unmixed wine
His Friends asked:His Friends asked:
"To whom do you leave the kingdom?“"To whom do you leave the kingdom?“
and he replied:and he replied:
"To the best (the strongest).“"To the best (the strongest).“
Historians disagree with the death.Historians disagree with the death.
The Alexander Romances reports 4 th of Pharmouthi as the day of theThe Alexander Romances reports 4 th of Pharmouthi as the day of the
death, which corresponds to 13th of June; but according to contemporarydeath, which corresponds to 13th of June; but according to contemporary
Babylonian Astronomic Diary, which is most credible and accurate source,Babylonian Astronomic Diary, which is most credible and accurate source,
Alexander has died on 29th Aiaru (10th of June)Alexander has died on 29th Aiaru (10th of June)
25. DeathDeath
They embalmed him and placed his body in aThey embalmed him and placed his body in a
gold sarcophagus which was taken to Memphis,gold sarcophagus which was taken to Memphis,
Egypt. Later it was transported to it's finalEgypt. Later it was transported to it's final
destination, Alexandria. Unfortunately, the tombdestination, Alexandria. Unfortunately, the tomb
was not left untouched. In 89 B.C., Ptolemy IXwas not left untouched. In 89 B.C., Ptolemy IX
needed money, so he opened the tomb andneeded money, so he opened the tomb and
melted down Alexander's sarcophagus to makemelted down Alexander's sarcophagus to make
gold coins. People were so enraged thatgold coins. People were so enraged that
Ptolemy would do such a thing to a legend, thatPtolemy would do such a thing to a legend, that
Ptolemy was killed soon after.Ptolemy was killed soon after.
26. Division of EmpireDivision of Empire
After the death of Alexander the Great, his generals,After the death of Alexander the Great, his generals,
scrambling to gain power, broke out into civil war againstscrambling to gain power, broke out into civil war against
each other.each other.
All of Alexander’s relatives were secretly murdered.All of Alexander’s relatives were secretly murdered.
Battles raged across the empire until finally around 305Battles raged across the empire until finally around 305
B.C. four men emerged each gaining large portions ofB.C. four men emerged each gaining large portions of
the empire.the empire.
The empire was split into four sections, Seleucus rulingThe empire was split into four sections, Seleucus ruling
the territories of Babylon, Ptolemy ruling the territories ofthe territories of Babylon, Ptolemy ruling the territories of
Egypt, Cassander ruling the territories of Macedon, andEgypt, Cassander ruling the territories of Macedon, and
Lysimachus ruling the territories of Thrace.Lysimachus ruling the territories of Thrace.
27. LegacyLegacy
Not only is Alexander known for conquering practically the knownNot only is Alexander known for conquering practically the known
civilized world, he is also known for issuing in the Hellenistic age.civilized world, he is also known for issuing in the Hellenistic age.
The Hellenistic age was the age of Greek influence and the spreadThe Hellenistic age was the age of Greek influence and the spread
of Greek culture across the world.of Greek culture across the world.
Alexander was known for issuing in this age because he broughtAlexander was known for issuing in this age because he brought
together so many different civilizations.together so many different civilizations.
Everywhere he conquered, Alexander would build new cities andEverywhere he conquered, Alexander would build new cities and
establish schools, museums, and libraries within these cities.establish schools, museums, and libraries within these cities.
In Alexandria, Egypt Alexander built a famous museum where theIn Alexandria, Egypt Alexander built a famous museum where the
works of art and evidence of man’s creativity could be studied andworks of art and evidence of man’s creativity could be studied and
collected.collected.
By doing such deeds as these, Greek culture was taught, learned,By doing such deeds as these, Greek culture was taught, learned,
and preserved for over a thousand years with the help of Rome andand preserved for over a thousand years with the help of Rome and
Christianity.Christianity.
29. ConclusionConclusion
In conclusion, many historians believeIn conclusion, many historians believe
that Alexander the Great would havethat Alexander the Great would have
conquered the entire world had heconquered the entire world had he
lived to a normal old age.lived to a normal old age.
Alexander was able to achieve whatAlexander was able to achieve what
no other man dreamed possible.no other man dreamed possible.
Not only did he conquered almost theNot only did he conquered almost the
known civilized world in 12 years, butknown civilized world in 12 years, but
Alexander also brought about a spreadAlexander also brought about a spread
of Greek culture into the vast reachesof Greek culture into the vast reaches
of the world.of the world.
Alexander was destined for glory andAlexander was destined for glory and
he achieved it.he achieved it.
And we end with a quote fromAnd we end with a quote from
Alexander the Great, "I would ratherAlexander the Great, "I would rather
live a short life of glory than a long onelive a short life of glory than a long one
of obscurity"….or "Its better to burn outof obscurity"….or "Its better to burn out
than fade away" .than fade away" .
30. Works CitedWorks Cited
Mechin, Jacques B.Mechin, Jacques B. Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great. 1st ed.. 1st ed.
New York: Hawthorn Books Inc., 1966.New York: Hawthorn Books Inc., 1966.
Robinson, Charles A.Robinson, Charles A. Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great. 1st. 1st
ed. New York: Franklin Watts Inc., 1963.ed. New York: Franklin Watts Inc., 1963.
Carroll, Warren H.Carroll, Warren H. The Founding ofThe Founding of
ChristendomChristendom. 1st ed. Front Royal: Christendom. 1st ed. Front Royal: Christendom
College Press, 1985.College Press, 1985.
Alexander the GreatAlexander the Great. 01 2001. Wikipedia. 8 Nov.. 01 2001. Wikipedia. 8 Nov.
2005 <www.wikipedia.org>.2005 <www.wikipedia.org>.
Ten Horned BeastTen Horned Beast. 01 1996. Livius.org. 8 Nov.. 01 1996. Livius.org. 8 Nov.
2005 <http://www.livius.org/aj-2005 <http://www.livius.org/aj-
al/alexander/alexander00a.html>.al/alexander/alexander00a.html>.
